Love Your Enemies Isn’t Codependence: Understanding Matthew 5

A lot of times, people interpret the whole concept of "love thy enemies" incorrectly. I think they don't really get it. This is what I mean: they don't get where it lives. They don't get it where it lives, and the reason I say that is because I think some of them read that as codependence, and I don't think it's meant to be read as codependence.

For example, I saw this meme on TikTok about the David and Goliath story, and the reason why I mentioned it in the context of the Beatitudes is that loving your enemy doesn't mean you let your enemy destroy you. That's not what it means; it's that the act of resentment will destroy you completely, the hatred in of itself will destroy you completely.

Of course, in all situations you have to use discernment, but it's really not about high-level codependence; it's just not. 


Matthew 5

Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.